Panic attacks are sudden periods of intense fear and discomfort that can be extremely frightening and distressing. They are an exaggeration of the bodys normal response to danger, stress, or excitement. Here are some common symptoms of a panic attack:

• Physical symptoms:

  • Palpitations or racing heartbeat
  • Sweating
  • Chest pain or chest discomfort
  • Shortness of breath
  • Trembling
  • Dizziness
  • Numbness
  • Nausea
  • Feeling hot or cold
  • Feeling faint, dizzy, or light-headed
  • Tingling or numbness in the hands
  • Stomach pain or nausea
  • Difficulty breathing or feeling like youre choking
  • Feeling like your legs are shaky or are turning to jelly
  • Pain in your chest or abdomen
  • Feeling disconnected from your mind, body, or surroundings

• Emotional symptoms:

  • A feeling of impending doom or of losing control
  • Fear of dying or having a heart attack
  • Flashing vision or other visual disturbances
  • Hyperventilation
  • Loss of body control
  • Tunnel vision

Typically, symptoms reach a peak within ten minutes of onset and last for roughly 30 minutes, but the duration can vary from seconds to hours. Panic attacks can be triggered by external stressors, like phobias, or they can occur out of the blue. Although they can be extremely frightening and distressing, panic attacks themselves are not physically dangerous. However, frequent attacks can lead to a decrease in your quality of life and other issues. If youre having lots of panic attacks at unpredictable times and there doesnt seem to be a particular trigger or cause, you might be given a diagnosis of panic disorder.